​The Bonnet Blue

The laddie and his followers bold, are gathered in the squareEntrusted with the banner blue, he handles it with careThe toll bell rings, the provost sings, the pipers start their tuneThe cavalcade set on their way, to bonnie Yetholm toon​The laddie sets off heading south, across auld Rennies bridgeUp Maxwellheugh, past proctors, towards the Softlaw ridgeSteadfast in his mind he knows, there’s something he must doMaking for the border line, to win the bonnet blue

For seven miles, past hill and styles, the horses make their wayThe riders there, from all the airts, to join his special dayFrom Hawick, and Jethart, Gala, Selkirk, Duns and Coldstream tooThey’re here to help him on his way, to win the bonnet blue

For a young man of auld Kelso town, he’s never been so proudTo lead the Yetholm ride one day, he’d hoped he’d be allowedWith young and old, and ex-laddies bold, across the fields the flewHeading for the border line, to win the bonnet blue

Up Graden moor, the horses stoor, the riders earn their spursThe hooves are flying, the wildlife crying, the sheep and cattle stirsThey’re getting near, they can hear the cheer, with vigour borne anewHe’s getting near the border now, to win his bonnet blue

The horses come down Venchen hill, to meet a joyful sceneThe crowd all there, to join the fair, upon Kirk Yetholm greenThe challenge met, with toil and sweat, from a boy a man has grewAnd he’s made it to the border line, and he’s won his bonnet blue